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What jobs should I look for as an early student on the path to become a Registered Dietitian?
Looking for more info around becoming a dietitian
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Nina’s Answer
Hi Jazmin, I'm a clinical registered dietitian (RD) in Minneapolis, MN. I originally trained in Boston and in DC. To become a registered dietitian, you have required classwork (usually done as part of a Bachelor's degree, but I did mine in a Master's program), followed by a 6-12 month internship that focuses on the 3 areas of dietetics: Clinical, Community, and Foodservice. You need basic proficiency in all 3 areas to pass your RD exam, and then you will generally focus on one of those 3 in your career.
Good jobs to pursue as you're working toward your RD licensure depend on what area you think you might be interested in. If you're not sure, consider trying a job in one area, and volunteering in other areas to get a sense of what you like. Many people who want to pursue clinical nutrition try to work in a hospital or clinic - like a hospital call center, or in a hospital kitchen, or as diet tech taking orders from hospital patients who have difficulty ordering for themselves. You can also do receptionist work at a clinic. Some people work in other food service areas. Others work at community clinics, or with a local sports team that has a dietitian on staff. You can work as a student worker in your college's nutrition office.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is having a variety of experiences that you can use on your internship applications. Currently (and for a while now), only 50% of students applying for dietetic internships get matched to one, so having different RD related experiences is helpful to set your application a part from others. Don't over-stress about that - shadowing dietitians is experience, volunteering with a nutrition-based organization is experience. Work-study in school or your own separate job is experience.
As has been said above, you definitely should talk to local dietitians and dietitian students about their own paths to becoming an RD. There are so many different ways to get here!
Good luck!
Good jobs to pursue as you're working toward your RD licensure depend on what area you think you might be interested in. If you're not sure, consider trying a job in one area, and volunteering in other areas to get a sense of what you like. Many people who want to pursue clinical nutrition try to work in a hospital or clinic - like a hospital call center, or in a hospital kitchen, or as diet tech taking orders from hospital patients who have difficulty ordering for themselves. You can also do receptionist work at a clinic. Some people work in other food service areas. Others work at community clinics, or with a local sports team that has a dietitian on staff. You can work as a student worker in your college's nutrition office.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is having a variety of experiences that you can use on your internship applications. Currently (and for a while now), only 50% of students applying for dietetic internships get matched to one, so having different RD related experiences is helpful to set your application a part from others. Don't over-stress about that - shadowing dietitians is experience, volunteering with a nutrition-based organization is experience. Work-study in school or your own separate job is experience.
As has been said above, you definitely should talk to local dietitians and dietitian students about their own paths to becoming an RD. There are so many different ways to get here!
Good luck!
Updated
Darby’s Answer
Hi Jazmin-
Congrats on taking the first steps towards becoming an RD! There is no “right” path to become a dietitian; however, any nutrition experience definitely makes you stand out on an application.
Diet techs are vital to the nutrition team and typically have minimal requirements for hire. Techs assist in different ways- but in a clinical setting, techs typically work in the call center of the hospital to place orders for patients.
Thinking ahead is already showing you have the drive to become an RD- stick with it! Seek out any assistantships, tech, or community positions you can find.
Good luck out there-
Darby Fisher MS, RD
Congrats on taking the first steps towards becoming an RD! There is no “right” path to become a dietitian; however, any nutrition experience definitely makes you stand out on an application.
Diet techs are vital to the nutrition team and typically have minimal requirements for hire. Techs assist in different ways- but in a clinical setting, techs typically work in the call center of the hospital to place orders for patients.
Thinking ahead is already showing you have the drive to become an RD- stick with it! Seek out any assistantships, tech, or community positions you can find.
Good luck out there-
Darby Fisher MS, RD
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
I know we hire registered dietitians in the hospital. Reach out to the director and see what options you have. Occasionally you will need to do some research and bypass HR to message the director or go to the hospital and ask to talk to the director. Sometimes working close with a dietician to see what it is all about it helpful! And you can start networking for a future job and networking for recommendation letters from other registered dietitians.
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Jazmine, what a great question I would suggest that since you're just starting out in school and the job market, I will say you're going to have enough going on with your classes so as far as working I would say start with volunteer work. Most states have a volunteer program for workers who need experience in your case I suggest you apply for hospitals or school cafeterias. Best of luck
Updated
Ameera’s Answer
Hi jazmine, it is important to know before time what is required to become an RD.
After your bachelors/Masters degree go and get experience by completing your dietetic internship (at least 6 - 12 months). Some of the important fields in which you can excel include Food technology, community/public health , health practioner/coach, food service management etc.
You can take help from Linkedin.
Best of luck!
After your bachelors/Masters degree go and get experience by completing your dietetic internship (at least 6 - 12 months). Some of the important fields in which you can excel include Food technology, community/public health , health practioner/coach, food service management etc.
You can take help from Linkedin.
Best of luck!
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Jazmin, I am a registered dietitian and I asked myself this same question years ago!
As an RD you are working with food and people in many different environments. Jobs in the hospital food service department such as a diet tech, meal host (person that takes patient meal orders, often patients are on various types of diets), tray line, kitchen supervisor all look great on resumes. Working at a grocery store may help with exposure to various types of foods or customer service or a job involving food preparation helps you gain knowledge on food safety and sanitation. Working at a food bank or WIC will give you good community nutrition experience too. If you have a HS diploma some universities hire lab assistants for research projects and this is also really great experience.
As an RD you are working with food and people in many different environments. Jobs in the hospital food service department such as a diet tech, meal host (person that takes patient meal orders, often patients are on various types of diets), tray line, kitchen supervisor all look great on resumes. Working at a grocery store may help with exposure to various types of foods or customer service or a job involving food preparation helps you gain knowledge on food safety and sanitation. Working at a food bank or WIC will give you good community nutrition experience too. If you have a HS diploma some universities hire lab assistants for research projects and this is also really great experience.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jazmin!
Stepping Stones to a Career as a Registered Dietitian
Embarking on your journey towards becoming a Registered Dietitian, it's crucial to gather experience and immerse yourself in the field. Here are some job opportunities that can help you cultivate the necessary skills and knowledge:
Nutrition Assistant: Partner with Registered Dietitians or Nutritionists in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This role offers you the chance to learn about food and nutrition, while assisting with tasks like meal planning, record-keeping, and patient education.
Dietary Aide: Acquire practical experience in foodservice by working in a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare facilities. This role involves preparing meals, serving food, and upholding cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas.
Grocery Store Dietitian: Work with customers and colleagues to offer nutritional advice and product suggestions in a supermarket environment. This role can help you hone your communication skills and familiarize yourself with a variety of food products.
Research Assistant: Contribute to research studies or projects related to nutrition and dietetics. This position can help you understand the scientific aspects of nutrition and gain experience in data collection and analysis.
Internships: Many educational institutions offer internships in nutrition and dietetics. These internships can provide invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to different settings within the field.
Volunteering: Donate your time and skills to local organizations, like food banks or community gardens. This experience can help you develop an understanding of food access and hunger issues, and gain practical experience in food preparation and distribution.
Nutrition Educator: Educate others about nutrition through community programs, workshops, or presentations. This role can help you develop public speaking skills and gain experience in sharing nutrition information with diverse audiences.
By participating in these early student jobs, you'll be well on your way to acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for a thriving career as a Registered Dietitian.
Reliable Reference Titles
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s premier organization of food and nutrition professionals. Their website is a treasure trove of information about careers, education, and resources for budding Registered Dietitians.
American Dietetic Association - The American Dietetic Association is a professional organization that represents dietitians and nutrition professionals. Their website offers guidance on career paths, educational prerequisites, and resources for those keen on becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Association for Dietetics in South Africa - The Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) is a professional body representing dietitians and nutrition professionals in South Africa. Their website provides information on career opportunities, educational requirements, and resources for aspiring Registered Dietitians in South Africa.
Don't forget to check out my autobiography for a list of nutrient-rich foods that can boost your intellectual capacity for study! Thank you.
May you be abundantly blessed in ways only He can provide!
James Constantine.
Stepping Stones to a Career as a Registered Dietitian
Embarking on your journey towards becoming a Registered Dietitian, it's crucial to gather experience and immerse yourself in the field. Here are some job opportunities that can help you cultivate the necessary skills and knowledge:
Nutrition Assistant: Partner with Registered Dietitians or Nutritionists in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This role offers you the chance to learn about food and nutrition, while assisting with tasks like meal planning, record-keeping, and patient education.
Dietary Aide: Acquire practical experience in foodservice by working in a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare facilities. This role involves preparing meals, serving food, and upholding cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas.
Grocery Store Dietitian: Work with customers and colleagues to offer nutritional advice and product suggestions in a supermarket environment. This role can help you hone your communication skills and familiarize yourself with a variety of food products.
Research Assistant: Contribute to research studies or projects related to nutrition and dietetics. This position can help you understand the scientific aspects of nutrition and gain experience in data collection and analysis.
Internships: Many educational institutions offer internships in nutrition and dietetics. These internships can provide invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to different settings within the field.
Volunteering: Donate your time and skills to local organizations, like food banks or community gardens. This experience can help you develop an understanding of food access and hunger issues, and gain practical experience in food preparation and distribution.
Nutrition Educator: Educate others about nutrition through community programs, workshops, or presentations. This role can help you develop public speaking skills and gain experience in sharing nutrition information with diverse audiences.
By participating in these early student jobs, you'll be well on your way to acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for a thriving career as a Registered Dietitian.
Reliable Reference Titles
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s premier organization of food and nutrition professionals. Their website is a treasure trove of information about careers, education, and resources for budding Registered Dietitians.
American Dietetic Association - The American Dietetic Association is a professional organization that represents dietitians and nutrition professionals. Their website offers guidance on career paths, educational prerequisites, and resources for those keen on becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Association for Dietetics in South Africa - The Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) is a professional body representing dietitians and nutrition professionals in South Africa. Their website provides information on career opportunities, educational requirements, and resources for aspiring Registered Dietitians in South Africa.
Don't forget to check out my autobiography for a list of nutrient-rich foods that can boost your intellectual capacity for study! Thank you.
May you be abundantly blessed in ways only He can provide!
James Constantine.
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